Grandma'S Sour Cream Walnuts
Grandma's Sour Cream Walnuts offer a rich, sweet treat with creamy, nutty flavors, perfect for snacking or gifting, appealing to lovers of classic candied nuts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a baking sheet and set aside.
- Mix sugar and sour cream in a large heavy skillet.
- Bring to a boil over moderately high heat, stirring frequently.
- Add walnuts and orange peel.
- Cook about 5 minutes over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches 234°F or a soft ball stage.
- Remove from heat and stir until the syrup becomes creamy and loses gloss.
- Turn out onto the prepared cookie sheet and separate walnuts with a fork.
- Cool completely.
- When cold, store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, be sure to stir the mixture well as it cools to prevent crystallization. If you're out of walnuts, pecans make a great substitute. To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract. Monitor the temperature closely to achieve the perfect soft ball stage, similar to that used in making Soft Buttermilk Biscuits.
Serving Suggestions
These sour cream walnuts make a delightful treat on their own or can be used as a topping for desserts like ice cream or yogurt. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea for an afternoon snack. For a unique addition, sprinkle them over a salad, complementing the flavors of a Delightful Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the walnuts in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming sticky. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerated for longer shelf life. Just ensure they are completely cool before sealing to avoid condensation.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Sour Cream Walnuts contains roughly 882 calories, with 22g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, while walnuts are traditional, you can easily substitute them with pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the nuts are chopped to a similar size for even cooking.
What can I do if the mixture doesn't reach the soft ball stage?
If the mixture doesn't reach the soft ball stage, return it to the heat and cook for a few more minutes, stirring constantly. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature to ensure accuracy.
How do I know when the syrup is creamy enough?
The syrup is ready when it becomes thick and loses its gloss. Stir it continuously off the heat until it reaches a creamy consistency, which will help set the walnuts without becoming too hard.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).